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Anglican bishop canvas for skill acquisition to eradicate poverty in Nigeria
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By Francesca Hangeior
The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Olusola Odedeji, has described skill acquisition as a vital tool in combating poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria.
Odedeji made this remark on Tuesday at the graduation of the pioneer students of the Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre of the Diocese in Ipaja, Lagos.
A total of 30 students completed training in various fields, including fashion designing, hairdressing and cosmetology, catering, and hospital management.
Speaking at the event, the bishop emphasised the importance of equipping individuals with practical skills rather than offering financial handouts.
“It is better to teach people how to make money rather than just giving them money.
“Many young people come here expecting financial assistance, but we insist on providing them with skills that can secure their future. Over the years, this has paid off significantly,” he said.
Odedeji noted that many individuals who previously struggled financially and were unable to settle down in marriage had benefited from the program.
“Some of them had nothing to do before, but today, they are engaged in meaningful trades.
“I have attended over 10 wedding ceremonies of beneficiaries who are now earning a living through the skills acquired here,” he added.
The bishop further stated that skill acquisition remains critical in the present economic climate, urging the graduates to approach their careers with excellence and integrity.
“Success is not just about having skills but how you use them. A good name, built on honesty and hard work, will take you farther than any certificate,” he advised.
The diocese had previously sent candidates to a skill acquisition centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for training, but with the new facility in Lagos, more individuals can now benefit from the programme.
The training, fully sponsored by the church, cost an estimated N41 million for the current set of graduates.
Odedeji assured the graduates of continued support, stating that the diocese would follow up on their progress and equip them to become employers of labor.
The graduation also featured awards for outstanding students and instructors.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the best student, Kelechi Gift, expressed gratitude to the diocese for its investment in their future and pledged to be a good ambassador in the labor market.
The bishop’s wife, Dr. Lydia Odedeji, commended the Ladies League of Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja, for their contributions in building the center.
She revealed that while the facility has the capacity to train 100 students, many individuals struggle to complete the rigorous training.
“The experience of running the school has been fulfilling. Many people drop out because they cannot endure the rigors of learning, but those who persevere have great prospects,” she noted.
The Principal of the centre, Mr. Adelugba Adedeji, also emphasised the challenges faced during training, stating that some individuals who dropped out later became a nuisance in society.
Despite the hurdles, the diocese remains committed to skill development, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to society and build sustainable livelihoods.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected bandits have kidnapped retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, and his wife on Matazu Road in Katsina State.
Security sources told PRNigeria that the couple was ambushed on Saturday morning, May 30, 2026, while travelling in a red Peugeot 504 saloon car.
The gunmen intercepted the vehicle and whisked the retired officer and his wife to an unknown location.
The driver escaped with gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, a security source said.
The former DDI and his wife were waylaid by armed men on the route. The driver escaped with gunshot injuries and is receiving medical attention,” the source stated.
Security forces have launched search-and-rescue operations and deployed intelligence assets to track the abductors, according to the source. Official confirmation from the military was still pending at press time.
—Rising concern in Katsina—
The abduction comes amid persistent insecurity in parts of Katsina despite ongoing military operations against bandit groups in the North-West.
In recent years, several serving and retired security personnel have been targeted on highways linking Katsina to neighbouring states. PRNigeria reports that criminal groups now see high-profile individuals, including retired military officers, as lucrative targets.
Maj-Gen Abubakar served as Director of Defence Information and was one of the Nigerian military’s most visible spokespersons during the counterinsurgency campaign against Boko Haram.
The incident is expected to renew calls for stronger security along major highways and rural communities in Katsina, where residents continue to face kidnapping and banditry.
Credit :PRNigeria
Abia State Police Command has nabbed two suspects for conspiracy, attempted child theft and possession of hard drugs.
The Command which made this known on Saturday, named the suspects as Nzubechi Chinagorom and Chinonso Chibundu, indigenes of Olokoro, Umuahia South LGA of the Abia State.
In a statement signed by DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer, the Command said its officers apprehended the suspects through actionable intelligence, in collaboration with Olokoro vigilante personnel.
She stated that the suspects went to the residence of one Miss Amarachi Chinyereugo and attempted to forcibly take away her two-week-old baby girl.
DSP Chinaka said that the Nzubechi Chinagorom allegedly stabbed the nursing mother with a kitchen knife during a struggle, causing the baby to fall and hit her head on ground.
The police spokesperson said that the two suspects fled from the scene and ran into a nearby bush on realizing that the nursing mother, Miss Amarachi Chinyereugo cried out for help.
She added that the suspects were later apprehended at a bus stop
where they had reportedly gone to take hard drugs.
“The mother and child were immediately rushed to the hospital, where they received treatment and have since recovered.
“The suspects were apprehended, exhibits were recovered and investigation has been conducted at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Suspects will be charged to court on 2/06/2026,” Chinaka said.
Ex-Minister of Labour and Productivity, SellJoel Ikenya, has been declared winner of the governorship primaries conducted by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Taraba State.
Mr Felix Hyat, the chairman of the election committee, who announced the results in Jalingo on Saturday, said Ikenya scored 34,173, to defeat Mr Dinshiya Usman, who polled 4,853.
Hyat, who described the exercise as free, fair and transparent, commended the state working committee of the party for the peaceful conduct.
Ikenya, in his acceptance speech, pledged to revive Taraba to her days of glory if elected governor in 2027.
“I will transform Taraba; I will change the state from salary base, to an industrialised state.
“My desire is to also revive the state infrastructure and attract more investors to boost the economy,” he said.
The governorship candidate, however, denied the allegations of factional PDP in Taraba.
“There is no factional PDP in Taraba; I don’t know where the other people are coming from.
“PDP in Taraba is one, and we do not have any faction in the state. We are working as one united family to reclaim our mandate from Gov. Agbu Kefas of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the Nyesom Wike led faction of the party had recently declared senator Emmanuel Bwacha as its governorship candidate in Taraba.
NAN
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